Full Breakdown
LV= General Insurance Accused of Delaying Subsidence Repairs for York Family
By Drooid · · How we work
Prolonged Claim and Deteriorating Home
A family in York lodged a subsidence claim with LV= General Insurance in 2023 after cracks appeared in an extension and conservatory. Over the ensuing three years, the insurer has reportedly stalled comprehensive repairs, offering only superficial patching. The interior wall cracking has progressed to the point where a radiator has sheared away from the masonry, creating a safety hazard for the three young children living in the house. The insurer has also raised the family’s annual premium from £400 to £2,500 while the claim remains unresolved.
Drought-Induced Soil Shrinkage and Tree-Related Movement
Industry observers note that repeated droughts across the United Kingdom are causing clay soils to shrink, leading to a surge in subsidence claims. In this case, LV= points to a neighbouring eucalyptus tree—owned by a third-party resident—as the primary driver of ground movement. Eucalyptus trees are known for high water uptake, which can rapidly desiccate clay soils and exacerbate subsidence.
Official Statements & Responses
LV= General Insurance maintains that permanent repairs cannot proceed until the underlying cause of movement is addressed. The company asserts that any structural work undertaken before the ground stabilises would likely fail, and it has cited the need for tree removal as a prerequisite to repair. The insurer says it is reviewing the premium increase under its complaints procedure.
Family’s Position and Allegations
The homeowners argue that the insurer’s reluctance to authorise underpinning or a full rebuild has allowed the damage to accelerate. They contend that LV= obtained a quote for underpinning in February but never carried out the work, and that the insurer now acknowledges a full rebuild is required. The family accuses the insurer of penalising them for filing a claim and of ignoring submitted proof of the home’s deteriorating condition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “LV= General Insurance takes this claim extremely seriously and we understand and appreciate the frustration at the time it has taken to resolve it. Subsidence claims can be protracted because the most important step is to address the cause of movement, in this case tree removal, before permanent repairs can be undertaken.” — spokesperson